I’m off to visit my two military children and then help my son move before deploying overseas. As a result, I won’t be around much–a bit, but forgive me if I seem to be ignoring everyone! 

See you-all in a few weeks!

–Comments are closed because I will be completely unreliable!

This week, February 16-22, 2025 is DiscoverE’s Engineers Week. Their tagline:

“A week-long event, a year-long commitment”

Do you wonder why anyone would be passionate about engineering? Overall, engineering offers a combination of intellectual challenge, real-world impact, and opportunities for personal and professional growth. By pursuing a career in engineering, students can contribute to meaningful projects, solve complex problems, and make a positive difference in the world.

What is Engineers Week?

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With the disturbing news about plummeting math scores here in the US, it’s good to review math teaching in your classroom and consider better ways to deliver lessons to students. The Ask a Tech Teacher team has ideas for you:

How to Make Learning Math More Interactive and Engaging

Math has a reputation—either you love it or avoid it like a pop quiz you forgot to study for. For many students, the struggle isn’t about intelligence but how math is taught. Endless drills, repetitive problem sets, and old-school memorization techniques can make even the most curious minds switch off.

But here is the thing: math does not have to be boring. It’s hidden in video games, sports stats, music beats, and even how your favorite social media app recommends content. The problem is that most teaching methods do not expose these fascinating aspects of mathematics.

Thankfully, technology, video games, and interactive hobbies may alter the story in the modern day. Here are some strategies to make arithmetic interesting and remembered, whether you’re a teacher, parent, or just a kid looking to transform math from a chore into something fun.

Photo by Joshua Hoehne from Unsplash

Embracing Technology: Letting AI Do the Heavy Lifting

Students have spent hours stuck on tedious calculations for years, often missing the bigger picture. But what if AI could take the drudgery out of math homework while keeping the learning experience engaging?

This is where an AI homework helper comes in handy. Instead of spitting out answers, these intelligent assistants provide step-by-step explanations, personalized hints, and interactive problem-solving guidance.

AI tools automatically free up repetitive tasks so that students can focus on the logic, strategy, and creativity behind math. It’s like having a patient tutor on call around the clock who never gets bored of repeating the same lesson. AI-powered insights may also be used by parents and teachers to monitor student progress and uncover problems early.

Gamifying Math: Because Who Doesn’t Love a Challenge?

Let’s be realistic: kids would spend hours fighting to beat one level of their favorite video game, but focusing on math for 20 minutes? That is a fight and a half. The good news is that gamification taps into that same drive.

Apps like Prodigy, DragonBox, or Mathletics use challenges, rewards, or competition to make learning seem like an achievement rather than a chore. Earning points, unlocking new levels, and competing with classmates turn math into a game rather than just another subject.

Even the most low-tech games can be fantastic. Math scavenger hunts, escape room-style puzzles or even classroom competitions can help foster friendly rivalry and greater engagement. When math is no longer a chore but a challenge, students are automatically interested in bettering themselves.

If a game can hold a student’s attention for an hour, why not harness that power to make math stick?

Hands-On Learning: Math Beyond the Textbook

Some require you to see, touch, and perhaps experience it for that “click.” Hands-on activities are a total game-changer.

Want to teach fractions? Get students to bake a pizza and then split the slices. Exploring geometry? Get them to build models with LEGO or paper folding. Practicing probability? Use card games, dice, or real life, such as predicting weather.

Math isn’t just adding numbers on a worksheet; it involves budgeting, measuring, estimating, and analyzing. Wherever students encounter real-life math, their understanding builds, and concepts become practical rather than abstract.

The best thing is that simple classroom surveys, pattern recognition games, or real-life problem-solving projects can make mathematics more hands-on for even a resource-poor classroom teacher as long as that is relevant to real life instead of living inside a book.

Collaborative Learning: Math Is More Fun Together

Have you ever noticed how students explain things better than sometimes even the teacher? That’s the power of collaborative learning.

Math is frequently viewed as an individual task, but when students collaborate, they develop fresh viewpoints, innovative problem-solving techniques, and a greater comprehension of the subject. Peer tutoring, team problem-solving contests, and math debates are examples of group activities that transform learning from a solitary endeavor into a shared experience.

Teachers can encourage this by using think-pair-share activities, where students discuss a problem before solving it. Parents can facilitate this by creating study groups or encouraging kids to teach each other what they’ve learned.

Learning is always more engaging when it feels like teamwork. Plus, explaining a concept to someone else solidifies understanding better than any worksheet ever could.

Overcoming the “I’m Simply Not Good at Math” Attitude

Belief is one of the biggest obstacles to learning arithmetic, not aptitude. Too many children are raised believing they are “not a math person,” yet everyone can succeed in math if they take the proper approach.

Embracing the challenge of letting go of a “fixed mindset” is the crucial first step.The brain functions similarly to a muscle. The more you work it out, the more powerful it becomes. Instead of telling pupils, “I’m bad at math,” encourage them to consider, “I’m still learning this.” Parents and educators may support this by highlighting effort rather than just outcomes.

Teachers and parents can reinforce this by praising effort, not just results. If a student struggles, don’t focus on the mistake—focus on how they’re improving. Studies show that students who believe they can improve in math perform better over time.

Math is not an exclusive club—it is a skill, just like reading or playing an instrument—the more interactive and engaging the learning process, the easier it is for everyone to succeed.

Photo by Kelly Sikkema from Unsplash

Conclusion: Small Changes, Big Impact

Math doesn’t have to be a never-ending worksheet marathon. When learning is interactive, engaging, and relevant, students understand math better and enjoy it.

Through the help of AI, tools with gamification, hands-on activities, teamwork, and strategies from the growth mindset, math could transform into something worthy to face from just an added burden. To educators needing innovative methods for a topic or for any student doing their homework and attempting to figure things out through mathematics, every slight shift may add up.

Try just one of these methods today—you might be surprised how quickly math starts to click.

Copyright ©2025 askatechteacher.com – All rights reserved.

Here’s the sign-up link if the image above doesn’t work:

https://forms.aweber.com/form/07/1910174607.htm

“The content presented in this blog are the result of creative imagination and not intended for use, reproduction, or incorporation into any artificial intelligence training or machine learning systems without prior written consent from the author.”

Jacqui Murray has been teaching K-18 technology for 30 years. She is the editor/author of over a hundred tech ed resources including a K-12 technology curriculum, K-8 keyboard curriculum, K-8 Digital Citizenship curriculum. She is an adjunct professor in tech ed, Master Teacher, freelance journalist on tech ed topics, and author of the tech thrillers, To Hunt a Sub and Twenty-four Days. You can find her resources at Structured Learning.

Integrating Technology in Education for Modern Classrooms

Embracing technology is crucial for modern educators aiming to enhance their teaching methodologies and foster student engagement. In today’s classrooms, technology serves not just as a tool but as an essential part of the learning environment. Understanding its role and potential can transform traditional teaching into an interactive and efficient experience.

The integration of technology into education is not merely a trend but a necessity in our rapidly advancing world. As an educator, leveraging technological tools can significantly enrich your teaching methods and student interactions. Various platforms such as Canvas, AI-driven applications, and PowerPoint have become staples in classrooms, facilitating diverse and dynamic learning experiences. By understanding and utilizing these resources, you can create a more engaging educational environment that caters to various learning styles. An online electrical and computer engineering degree can equip educators with the necessary skills to effectively implement these technologies in their teaching practices. (more…)

A friend of mine told me this story:

“On a chilly winter evening in New York City, Sarah (not her real name) was struggling with the cold and the cost of her subway ride home when an elderly man noticed her plight. Without hesitation, he gave her a fully loaded subway card, explaining he had more than he needed. He also offered her a homemade sandwich, insisting it was no good to waste food. This unexpected kindness brought tears to Sarah’s eyes, warming her not just with the promise of a meal and a ride home, but with the profound reminder of human compassion in an often indifferent world.”

That was one of many Random Acts of Kindness experienced in a world known for just the opposite. Now, February 9-15, 2025 in America is Random Acts of Kindness Week and is when everyone encourages acts of kindness without any expectation of consideration in return.

“Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” — Mark Twain

What is Random Acts of Kindness Day?

Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) Day is twenty-four hours when anyone who chooses to participate agrees to perform unexpected acts of kindness to pay it forward for that time they need a little bit of unexpected care.  We flaunt our altruistic side by doing something nice for another without a thought for the consequences.

Why is Kindness important?

Why kindness is important seems obvious, but really, it isn’t. I can name a whole lot of people who have succeeded despite being, well, jerks so why should we think there’s merit in a gentler approach?

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News sources for kids (click for updates to this list):

1. C News for kids
2. Kids News – Current Events
3. KidsPost https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/kidspost/
4. KiwiKids News https://kiwikidsnews.co.nz/ excellent articles on world events as well as general interest topics.
5. News For Kids  https://newsforkids.net
6. News-o-matic for kids (app)
7. Newsela https://newsela.com each article written at five different reading levels
8. NewseumEd
9. Reach Out Reporter — science news for elementary students
10. Science News for Students https://www.sciencenewsforstudents.org
11. Student Daily News https://www.studentnewsdaily.com/
12. Teaching Kids News http://teachingkidsnews.com/
13. TweenTribune http://tweentribune.com written at four different reading levels so the content can be used K-12.

–image credit Deposit Photo (more…)

Toddlers grow up fast. Their clothing tells a story of those years if only we could capture them. Well, we can, with lots of digital tools–pictures, videos, IG stories, FB calls with family. We’ll get into those in a later article. For this one, the Ask a Tech Teacher team is addressing what those stories are…

The Stories Clothes Tell: Capturing a Toddler’s Growth Through Outfits

Each tiny outfit carries memories of milestones and the fleeting days of childhood for parents. From the first pair of onesies to the favorite superhero t-shirt, every piece of clothing tells a story about a toddler’s growth, personality, and experiences.

Toddlers outgrow their clothes quickly, which makes each garment a marker of a specific moment. As parents curate wardrobes for their little ones, they can also preserve memories. Some parents even keep a few cherished pieces as keepsakes. Visiting a trusted toddler clothing website is a great way to find unique, high-quality outfits that can become part of these memories.

Why Clothes Hold Emotional Value for Parents

Toddler clothes often evoke strong emotions. That polka-dot dress may remind you of your child’s first steps, while a tiny pair of overalls might bring back memories of their playful adventures in the backyard. Parents tend to attach meaning to these items because they symbolize their child’s growth and development.

Clothes also reflect a child’s personality and interests at different stages. One week, a toddler might insist on wearing a bright yellow raincoat everywhere, even on sunny days. Another time, they might refuse to wear anything other than their dinosaur pajamas. These preferences show how toddlers begin to express their individuality.

Outfits as Markers of Milestones

Clothes have a unique way of marking key moments in a toddler’s life. No matter if it’s a special occasion, a holiday, or just an ordinary day turned memorable, the outfits worn during these moments become part of the story. Here are some common milestones and their accompanying outfits:

How to Document Growth Through Clothes

1.   Create a Photo Journal

Take pictures of your toddler in their favorite outfits during special moments. Over time, these photos will form a visual timeline of their growth. Organize the pictures by date or milestone to create a meaningful keepsake that’s easy to revisit.

2.   Save a Few Special Pieces

Choose a handful of garments that hold the most sentimental value and store them in a memory box. Label each piece with a note about the occasion or moment it represents.

3.   Make a Quilt or Pillow

Transform outgrown clothes into a patchwork quilt or cushion. It’s a unique way to preserve the memories tied to each piece. This functional keepsake can also become a comforting reminder of your toddler’s early years.

4.   Write Stories

Pair pictures of outfits with short descriptions of the moments they represent. Include details like what your child loved about the clothes or why they were significant. These written memories will enrich the visual story and provide a deeper connection to those moments.

5.   Display in a Shadow Box

Frame a particularly special outfit alongside photos and mementos from the same period. Small items like shoes or favorite toys can make the display even more meaningful.

The Evolution of Personal Style

Toddlers’ sense of style can be as simple as choosing bright colors, picking clothes with favorite characters, or insisting on mismatched socks. While these choices may seem whimsical, they are an early form of self-expression.

Parents can encourage this creativity by providing options that align with their child’s preferences while ensuring practicality. For example, if your child loves glittery clothes, look for options that are comfortable and durable. Letting toddlers select their outfits helps them feel confident and valued.

How Clothes Connects to Memories

Clothes often become intertwined with memories, and they create a tangible connection to the past. That cozy jacket worn on family hikes or the pajamas your toddler wore during bedtime stories can instantly transport you back to those moments. Over time, these items serve as a bridge to cherished times and remind you of how far your child has come.

Looking back at old outfits can also be a fun activity as your toddler grows. They may enjoy hearing the stories behind the clothes and learning about the adventures they had while wearing them. This reflection helps them develop an appreciation for their journey.

In a Nutshell

The clothes toddlers wear tell rich, colorful stories about their early years. Each outfit holds memories of milestones, celebrations, and everyday adventures. Documenting these moments creatively will help parents capture the essence of their child’s growth and personality. From baby shoes to favorite t-shirts, every garment becomes part of a narrative that will bring joy for years.

Copyright ©2025 askatechteacher.com – All rights reserved.

Here’s the sign-up link if the image above doesn’t work:

https://forms.aweber.com/form/07/1910174607.htm

“The content presented in this blog are the result of creative imagination and not intended for use, reproduction, or incorporation into any artificial intelligence training or machine learning systems without prior written consent from the author.”

Jacqui Murray has been teaching K-18 technology for 30 years. She is the editor/author of over a hundred tech ed resources including a K-12 technology curriculum, K-8 keyboard curriculum, K-8 Digital Citizenship curriculum. She is an adjunct professor in tech ed, Master Teacher, freelance journalist on tech ed topics, and author of the tech thrillers, To Hunt a Sub and Twenty-four Days. You can find her resources at Structured Learning.

World Read Aloud Day celebrates the pure joy of oral reading with kids of all ages. Created by LitWorld, past years have found over 1 million people in 100 countries joining together to enjoy the power and wonder of reading aloud in groups or individually, at school or home, and discovering what it means to listen to a story told through the voice of another. For many, this is a rare opportunity to hear the passion of a well-told story and fall in love with tales where hearing them reaches listeners on a level nothing else can. Think back to your experiences. You probably sat with an adult, in their lap or curled up in bed. The way they mimicked the voices in the story, built drama, and enthused with you over the story and characters made you want to read more stories like that on your own. This is a favorite activity not just for pre-readers, but beginning and accomplished readers because it’s not about reading the book; it’s about experiencing it through the eyes of a storyteller.

Somehow, as lives for both the adults and children have gotten busier, as digital devices have taken over, as parents turned to TVs or iPads to babysit kids while they do something else, we’ve gotten away from this most companionable of activities. World Read Aloud Day is an opportunity to get back to it.

Importance of reading aloud

There is no more powerful way to develop a love of reading than being read to. Hearing pronunciations, decoding words in context, experiencing the development and completion of a well-plotted story as though you were there are reason enough to read aloud but there’s more. Reading in general and reading aloud specifically is positively correlated to literacy and success in school. It builds foundational learning skills, introduces and reinforces vocabulary, and provides a joyful activity that’s mostly free, cooperative, and often collaborative. Did you know reading aloud:

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Communication as a student in a foreign land depends heavily on knowledge of the language. But there’s more to it than translation, sentence structure, and comprehension. The Ask a Tech Teacher international team has a few broader issues to think about when considering what barriers face students in foreign lands:

Language: The Biggest Communication Barrier for Foreign Students?

You’ve found your dream course in a foreign university and got accepted. A new adventure begins for you. Your education abroad could have been such a pleasant and thrilling journey.

But when you get off the flight, it hits you that it’s a foreign country. New people, culture, and most importantly, a new language!

All of a sudden, you are outside your comfort zone. But you must overcome the language barrier as soon as possible.

If this story rings a bell in your mind, too, don’t worry. I’ve been on the same page also. I understand that speaking, note-making, and working on assignments in another language is quite hectic.

What Language Barriers Do Foreign Students Face? 

Do you remember season 6 of Modern Family? Gloria from Columbia had a hard time in the US. On that note, she said something very relevant- “Do you know how frustrating it is to have to translate everything in my head before I say it? Do you even know how smart I am in Spanish?”

If you can empathize with international students, you will know what problems they face, day in and day out! A recent study says that language barriers impact well well-being of many international students. And the issues that they face the most are: (more…)

Showcasing art and STEM with DIY projects not only enhances learning and creativity but makes these subjects more accessible to a broader audience. The Ask a Tech Teacher team explores how to do that in innovative ways that should please your students:

Exploring the Intersection of Art and STEM Through DIY Projects

Blending art and STEM into creative DIY projects isn’t just fun—it’s a brilliant way to help kids learn. By combining creativity with problem-solving, children can better understand concepts that might otherwise seem too technical or dull. These activities encourage hands-on learning and spark curiosity, making art a natural gateway into the exciting world of STEM.

What is STEAM and Why Does Art Matter in STEM?

STEAM is an educational approach that includes science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Adding art to STEM isn’t just a trendy idea; it’s a game-changer for education.

Why?

Because art bridges the gap between creative expression and technical knowledge. It makes abstract ideas tangible and helps kids visualize concepts that can seem confusing. Take geometry, for example. Kids can learn about shapes and symmetry by designing patterns or mosaics. Art also adds personality to STEM, making lessons more relatable. A child designing a rocket for a science project might include unique colors and designs, connecting creative thinking with engineering. Art also makes STEM less intimidating. A child who struggles with math might feel more confident when they see how it connects to something creative, like designing a math mosaic.

This integrated approach makes learning more accessible and enjoyable, fostering a love for discovery. (more…)